If we look at cultures and history we see often that having a meal with some one or groups of people is a common theme in relationships. Why? I guess because whilst you are having a meal you are talking and getting to know each,and sharing ideas and seeking advice.
So with relationship building with the purpose of helping each other achieve results, meeting regularly is essential. Over a meal or even a coffee will enhance results.
Let’s look at the two points in the above paragraph.
• Meeting regularly means just that, if you want to network and build relationships you can’t do it on a casual or part time basis. You need to meet and communicate regularly. So attending a monthly after 5 or a social mixer is really only the first step, yet people rely on this for results.
• Over a meal or coffee enhances results because you share and build trust with that sort of intimacy. Trust is the key to results in referrals by relationship and this is not gained lightly.
In Business Network International (BNI) we meet weekly and over breakfast, brunch or lunch. We also meet 1 to 1 outside the meeting regularly, with a purpose so that relationships can be firmed with integrity and trust, and then contacts open up between parties.
Of course all this takes time, and like any thing worthwhile you need to invest. We are investing time here to build futures together, yes that whole farming not hunting thing again but it is so true.
Remember "Givers Gain" and if you “row someone across a river you get there yourself” so invest in your relationships, over a meal, (put it in your diary) regularly and reap the harvest.
Happy Networking
Glenn
